Date of Award:

12-2016

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Committee Chair(s)

Byard Wood

Committee

Byard Wood

Committee

Steve Hansen

Committee

Ling Liu

Abstract

In 2011, a team of engineering students at Utah State University designed and built an assistive technician creeper to assist persons with lower-extremity physical disabilities to work in low-clearance areas. In order to put this technology on the market, a complete product redesign was needed to address safety and functionality concerns. This thesis outlines the specific design needs, presents the detailed design approach, and summarizes the final creeper solution. The mechanisms of the initial prototype were modified to independently incline or recline the upper body, and raise or lower the seat surface with a single motor. This will be especially useful for those wanting to work low to the ground with the backrest up. All components were designed to be fabricated using common manufacturing and assembly processes. Safety features were refined and several specific engineering analyses performed to ensure user safety and system reliability. Results of these analyses suggest all structural components were well designed to provide structural integrity and yield the intended system functionality. The design is mechanically complete, and ready for prototyping. While a good candidate for improving the quality of life of people with physical disabilities, the creeper is also well suited for users of all abilities and has reasonable market potential in the professional world.

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